Q&A with Helen
Helen Prosser is Director of Teaching and Learning at the National Centre for Learning Welsh. Helen is also Chair of the Executive Committee of the 2024 Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod – a very busy, and exciting, voluntary role.
1. What is your role as the Eisteddfod’s Chair of the Executive Committee?
The Eisteddfod is like a triangle. On one side, you have the Council, that does a lot of the preparation with the technical aspects, then the Eisteddfod staff, who organise things such as the Programme and the Maes (Eisteddfod field), and finally, there’s the crucial work of the volunteers.
The volunteers begin by organising the competitions and play an active part in fundraising. The next step is to raise awareness of the Eisteddfod, and then to turn their sights towards decorating and branding the area.
As Chair, I represent the local volunteers, supporting all events and activities across the Eisteddfod area.
2. You’re from Tonyrefail, near Pontypridd. How does it feel to have the Eisteddfod on your doorstep?
The excitement can be felt everywhere – the local people, be they Welsh speakers, learners, or non-Welsh speakers, plan on visiting.
The Eisteddfod is an opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the Welsh language. Everything will be held through the medium of Welsh but a translation service will be available. The Eisteddfod also provides an economic boost to the area and we ask visitors to support local restaurants and businesses.
I’m also proud that as a committee we’re working in partnership with Bryncynon Strategy food pantry to support local people. We’re calling on visitors to bring an item of food with them when visiting the festival. The Eisteddfod is a mirror of society, on and off the Maes.
3. For those who wish to explore the local area, where would you recommend?
A visit to the town and market is a must, as well as the Gorsedd stones on the common. You can take the metro to the top of the Rhondda and visit Pen-pych, which is a lovely place to go for a walk, and enjoy Treorchy’s award-winning high street. You can go to Aberdare to see the wonderful country park. There is also an indoor market there which was home to the first modern National Eisteddfod in 1861. Llantrisant is a lovely village, and it’s well worth visiting the Guildhall and the Model House, which is full of Welsh crafts & designs.
For those visiting the Eisteddfod, remember to bring your swimming costume. For the first time ever, there will be an outdoor swimming pool on the Maes - The Lido. You’ll need to book your session in the pool in advance, though.
4. What should someone new to the Eisteddfod expect?
That’s an important question. There are three ways of finding out what’s on:
1) You can look at the Eisteddfod programme by downloading the Eisteddfod app.
2) The programme is also available on the Eisteddfod’s website: eisteddfod.wales.
3) You can buy a hard copy of the Eisteddfod programme.
There’s non-stop entertainment, all day, every day – whether it’s choirs, pop music, poetry or crafts.
5. What is Maes D and what’s happening there?
Maes D is a special place. It’s a village on the Maes for Welsh learners. There’s information about Learn Welsh courses, a tepee with entertainment and a café. In the café, there will be a designated table for you to chat with someone, if you’d like to give your Welsh a go. There will be an introduction to the Eisteddfod for learners at Entry level first thing every morning. Author Siôn Tomos Owen will read a story every day. There will also be interesting talks.
6. What do you like best about the Eisteddfod?
I enjoy being at Maes D chatting to Welsh learners. I enjoy watching bands on Llwyfan y Maes and listening to talks in the Babell Lên literature pavilion. I also like exploring the local area in the evenings, watching plays and eating at local pubs and restaurants. But, for me, it’s also an opportunity to meet family and friends.
7. There have been many fundraising events – which one was your favourite?
It’s hard to pick a favourite as all areas have organised great events. One highlight for me was having a Welsh gig for the first time ever in Tonyrefail. Another was an event with broadcaster, Russell Isaac, at Nantgarw Chinaworks. The Welsh Cheese Company sponsored the event, with lots of delicious cheeses, and there was a wonderful atmosphere.
8. Describe the Eisteddfod in three words.
Fun. Friendly. Culture.